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major

Gender Studies

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Major structure

Overview

Through your studies, you'll gain a understanding of how concepts and practices of gender and sexuality function in contemporary societies. And develop skills to identify gender and sexuality-related issues within complex, changing social and cultural contexts.

Your course structure

The Bachelor of Arts requires the successful completion of 24 subjects (300-points), including at least one major. Most students study eight subjects each year (usually four subjects in each semester) for three years full-time, or the part-time equivalent.

Most Arts majors require 100 points of study (usually eight subjects) for attainment. This means out of your 300-point program, you have the opportunity to achieve two majors in your course.

COMPLETING YOUR MAJOR

If you are taking Gender Studies as a major, you must complete:

  • One level 1 core subject and Arts Discovery or One approved level 1 elective (for a double major)
  • One level 2 core subject and 25 points (usually two subjects) of level 2 Gender Studies subjects and/or approved elective subjects*
  • One level 3 capstone subject
  • 25 points (usually two subjects) of level 3 Gender Studies subjects and/or approved elective subjects*

If you are taking Gender Studies as a minor, you must complete:

  • One level 1 core subject
  • Arts Discovery (if not already counted towards a Major)
  • 25 points (usually two subjects) of level 2 Gender Studies subjects and/or approved elective subjects* (usually at second-year)
  • 25 points (usually two subjects) of level 3 Gender Studies subjects and/or approved elective subjects* (usually at third-year)
BREADTH STUDIES

Breadth is a unique feature of the Melbourne curriculum. It gives you the chance to explore subjects outside of arts, developing new perspectives and learning to collaborate with others who have different strengths and interests — just as you will in your future career.

Some of our students use breadth to explore creative interests or topics they have always been curious about. Others used breadth to improve their career prospects by complementing their major with a language, communication skills or business expertise.

*NOTE: As long as all 4 compulsory Gender Studies subjects are completed, students taking the Gender Studies major or minor may select different gender-related subjects taught in the Arts Faculty not listed below to make up the required additional points at levels 2 and 3, with the written approval of the Gender Studies coordinator. The Capstone is not available in the minor.

Profile

Eleanor Twomey

Eleanor Twomey is studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Gender Studies and Criminology

In my first year of the Bachelor of Arts, my eyes were opened to the issues we face on a local and national level – with gender-based violence being one that I became particularly passionate about. I eventually chose a double major in Gender Studies and Criminology because this issue lies at the intersection of these disciplines.

Through my Gender Studies major I have come to realise how entrenched our socialised expectations of men and women are in society. The gender expectations placed on us from birth restrict our individual choice and lead to future inequalities. Through critiquing the gender binary, as well as heteronormativity in society, I have been able to see the value in deconstructing rigid gender roles and stereotypes, as well as celebrating non-binary identities and sexualities.

Alongside my degree I have volunteered for Chalk Circle, an independent non-for-profit that aims to create conversations around gender literacy to empower the next generation. I started off at Chalk Circle as a workshop facilitator in 2016, and have delivered workshops on gender and its effects to students, teachers, and other professionals. As the Executive Officer of this organisation, my majors give me an expert position on this subject, and allow me to shape our programs, workshops, and campaigns effectively.

I am also involved in the Victorian Government-funded LGBTI Leadership Program, run by Leadership Victoria. This training is focused on personal and professional development as a leader, network-building and looking at specific issues in the LGBTI community. With the combined knowledge from both my majors I am better able to interrogate the social and structural factors that lead to one woman being killed by a partner or former partner per year in Australia, as well as the violence many more women and children face in abusive relationships across the country.

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